Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Gateron Smoothie, both linear switches with their own unique characteristics. The G Pro 3.0 Black stands out for its heaviest linear switch in the G Pro series, providing a more substantial typing experience with its 60g actuation and 70g bottom-out force. It offers a medium-high pitch auditory experience and vibrant RGB lighting effects with its frosted light diffuser. On the other hand, the Smoothie impresses with its all-POM construction, delivering a thocky sound, exceptional smoothness, and a lightweight touch, all while maintaining an affordable price point. These switches are categorized differently in terms of their feel and sound, with the G Pro 3.0 Black being described as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Subdued', 'Silky', 'Subtle', and the Smoothie as 'Buttery', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Subdued', 'Silky'. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, but to truly determine the best switch for you, a deeper exploration beyond these generalities is necessary.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Gateron Smoothie both utilize POM material for their housing components, providing a similar foundation for their overall sound profiles. However, where they differ is in the specific design and characteristics of their top housings. The G Pro 3.0 Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing, known for its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, giving it a satisfying thin and clacky sound. In contrast, the Smoothie's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound, offering a unique auditory experience that sets it apart from the G Pro 3.0 Black.
Moving on to the bottom housings of these switches, both the G Pro 3.0 Black and the Smoothie utilize POM material, contributing to their deeper and more muted sound profiles. This consistency in bottom housing material ensures that the overall sound experience remains relatively consistent between the two switches. However, it is important to note that the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. The similarities in bottom housing material between the G Pro 3.0 Black and the Smoothie suggest that users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of the feel and sound during key presses.
In summary, while the top housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Gateron Smoothie may differ in their specific sound profiles, their shared use of POM material in the bottom housing ensures a level of consistency in overall sound experience. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences – with the G Pro 3.0 Black providing a clacky and high-pitched sound, while the Smoothie offers a deeper and more muted sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch reveals some key differences. The G Pro 3.0 Black has a higher actuation force of 60 grams, making it a bit heavier compared to the Smoothie's 40-gram actuation force. In terms of bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 Black requires 70 grams, while the Smoothie's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Black offers a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier forces, while the Smoothie provides a lighter touch, making it ideal for longer typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The G Pro 3.0 Black offers a more traditional travel distance, providing users with a standard key press experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times. Those who prefer a more shallow key press may find the Smoothie more to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference, with the G Pro 3.0 Black offering a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Gateron Smoothie.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Black for $2.77.
The Gateron Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie for $2.60.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch offers a clacky experience with a medium-high pitch, providing a crisp and bright sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch delivers a thocky sound signature with a low-pitched tone, creating a deep and satisfying sound. Both switches offer a quieter, more subdued sound compared to other switches, making them suitable for shared spaces. The choice between them ultimately depends on whether you prefer a sharper clacky sound or a richer thocky sound.
Moving on to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Black switch provides a medium-heavy typing feel with a creamy and silky sensation, offering smooth and buttery keystrokes. It maintains a balanced resistance that is not overly light or heavy. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie switch also provides a buttery and creamy typing experience, enhancing the smoothness of keystrokes and minimizing resistance. Both switches excel in providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation, making them ideal for long typing sessions where comfort is key.
Overall, despite their differences in sound and feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch both offer premium quality at a budget-friendly price point. Whether you choose the G Pro 3.0 Black for its clacky sound and medium-heavy feel or the Smoothie for its thocky sound and lighter touch, you can expect a reliable and satisfying typing experience from either switch. Ultimately, your decision between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch or the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with a more substantive feel and medium-high pitch sound, the G Pro 3.0 Black with its 70g bottom out force may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch, the Gateron Smoothie may be more suited to your preferences. Consider your typing style, preferred sound profile, and desired level of resistance when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer quality features at budget-friendly prices, so you can't go wrong with either choice.
Mentioned in this article
